Machine for treating plants



Feb. 23, 1943. 1 5 g g- 2,311,782

MACHINE TREATING PLANTS Filed Oct. 23, 1940 4 y arwmvtm, Edward HSegars,

@1 04 Maj/4m Patented F eb. 23, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MACHINE roiii i tzzf'rmd PLANTS Application October 23, 1940, Serial No. 362,454

10 Claims.

My invention relates to a machine for treating plants. While my invention has been developed for the purpose of treating cotton plants with liquid insecticide to kill boll weevils, it is obvious that it may be employed for applying liquids generally to cotton or other plants.

An object of my invention is to devise a ma.- chine of simple construction for applying insecti-' cide to growing plants arranged in rows.

A further object is to provide an improved arrangement for supplying liquid insecticide to a pair of wipers and for easily varying the lateral separation of the wipers to accommodate variations in the width of the rows.

A further object is to provide for the easy adjustment of the height of the wipers above the ground to accommodate plants of different stages of growth.

Still another object is to devise an improved container or reservoir for the insecticide or fluid used in the machine and for maintaining the fluid in a continuous state of agitation while the machine is in use, thereby insuring proper mixing of the insecticide solution.

Another object is to provide an improved form of wiper for wiping the insecticide over the plants.

A preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the machine;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the machine;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the machine;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of Figure 1 taken along the line 4-4 showing the details of construction of the rotatable insecticide container or reservoir, and

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view like Figure 4 showing another baflle arrangement for the rotatable container or reservoir.

Referring to the drawing, the machine. is provided with a supporting wheel I having an axle la which turns with the wheel. A drum 2 serving as a tank or reservoir for the insecticide, is supported above the wheel I by a pair of frame elements 3a, 3b extending between the axle Ia and a hollow shaft 20 passing through the center of the drum 2. It will thus be seen that the axle la is journaled in holes formed in the lower ends of frame members 3a and 3b while hollow shaft 20 passing through the drum 2 is journaled in holes formed in the upper ends of the frame members 311 and 3b. Suitable collars are arranged on the shaft 20 on opposite sides of frame members 3a and 3b to' maintain these members in the proper position on this shaft. Also, suitable collars are arranged on axle la, to

1 the axle as shown inFigure 1. A pair of spaced transverse bracing members 4c and 4d are arranged between the members lla and 4b to maintain these members in proper spaced relation. A- pair of substantially horizontal handles 5a and 5b are secured at their forward ends to the upv per ends. of. frame members. 3a and. 3?) respectively, these handles are preferably pivotally secured to frame membersta and 3b to permit the handles to be turned about their longitudinal axes. For this purpose I have shown link elements 6a and 6b secured transversely across the forward ends of handles 5a and 5b, and ring elements Ia and lb secured respectively to the upper ends of frame members 3a and 3b link with holes formed in the short ends of lines 6a and 6b as shown in Figure 2. The handles 5a and. 5b pass loosely through loops 4a and 5a formed of strap metal and secured respectively to the ends of frame members 4a. and 4b. Frame member 3a is securedto frame member labya bracing member Baas shown in Figure 1, and this bracing member is provided with a seriesof holes/8a by-which the point of connection to the member 4a may be varied and thereby vary the angular relation between frame members 31': and 4a; A similar adjustable bracing member 8b connects frame member 3b to frame member 42). It is evident that by adjusting the point of attachment of bracesaa and 8b to members laand 4b the elevation ofthe tank 2 and the two wipers associated therewith may be varied.

The hollow shaft 20 of the drum 2 extends outwardly on both sides ofthe drum as shown at 2a and 2b, and stop cocks 9a and 9b are provided in each arm of the shaft as shown in Figure 2. A grooved pulley lfla mounted upon shaft 20 is connected by a belt H to a' pulley lllb secured to' axle Ia. By means of this arrangement the tank 2 and its supporting shaft 20 is rotated in accordance with the movement ofthe wheel I.

A pair of wiper elements are slidably mounted on the outer ends 2a and 2b of shaft 20 and since these wiper elements are identical in construction, only one element will be described in detail. The supporting structure for each wiper involves a tubular portion consisting of two alined sleeve elements l2a and Nb joined" by a T-connection I20 and telescoping over shaft extension 2a. The sleeve 12a fitsclosely around the shaft extension 2a but allows free sliding along the shaft and free rotation about the shaft. The sleeve IZb is larger than the sleeve IZato-provide for an annular space between the outer surface of the shaftv extension 2a and the inner wall of the sleeve l2b. A cap l-Zd closes the outer end of the sleeve I2b. Extending downwardly from the T-connection I2c is a tubular element I2d provided with a T-connection I2e at the lower end thereof. A pair of tubular arms I21 and I2g extend in opposite directions from the T-connection I2e and parallel with the shaft 2a. The outer ends of tubular arms I21 and I2g are closed by suitable caps I 2h and I21 respectively. A number of spaced holes are formed in the lower part of the arms I2fi and I2g and in the T-connection I2e. Suitable strips of absorbent fabric I3 such as strips of cotton cloth, are threaded through these holes and the ends of the strips extend downwardly as shown in the drawing to form wiper strands which engage the growing plants and apply the liquid thereto.

Suitable link elements I2a and I4b are pivoted at one end to the inner ends of sleeve elements I2a and I2a' respectively, and the other ends of these links are pivotally connected to arms 6a and 6b. The pivoted connection between link Ila and sleeve I2a, and between link lb and sleeve 2b, is such that sleeves I211 and I 2b can be rotated through a substantial angle about the axis of their supporting shaft extensions. A suitable form of connection involves a ring secured to sleeve Mia and linking with a hole formed in the end of link Ida. By this construction it is possible to vary the lateral position of the wipers I3 with respect to the machine by simply rotating the handles 5a and 51) about their axes. Suitable stops or abutments I5a and I5?) are secured to shaft extensions 2a and 2b to limit the inward movement of the wiper mounting sleeves I2a and I2a'. Suitable stops 6c and Ed are secured to arms 6a and 6b and cooperate with shaft extensions 2a and 2b to limit the rotation of arms 6a and 6b.

The drum 2 which serves as a reservoir for the liquid to be applied to the plants is preferably a cylindrical drum provided with a removable closure 211 for filling the drum. Located within the drum are two diametrically alined bafiie plates 2e and 2] extending from the tubular shaft 2c to the inner surface of the outer wall of the drum. The baffie 2a is solid and has a fluid-tight connection with the shaft 20 and the walls of the drum, but suitable holes 29 are provided in the bafile 21 at or near the outer edge thereof where the same is secured to the cylindrical wall of the drum (see Figure 5). A third bafile plate 2h is secured to the hollow shaft 20 and extends outwardly from the shaft a short distance at an angle to the plate 2e as shown at Figure 4. A series of holes 2i are formed through the wall of hollow shaft 20 in the space between baffle plate 2e and plate 271. (see Figure 5). It will be seen that plates 2e and 2h in co-operation with hollow shaft 20 form a trough-like construction, the bottom of the trough being formed by hollow shaft 20 which includes the axis of rotation of the drum.

In Figure 4 the arrow 27c indicates the normal direction of rotation of the drum 2 during operation. The perforated baffle plate 2 acts as a stirring element to agitate the fluid mixture as the drum rotates. The baifie plate 26 comprising he trailing wall of the trough, in combination with the cylindrical wall of the drum, serves as a dipper element for raising the fluid from the lower part of the drum and causing it to flow into the trough-like construction. From this trough the fluid passes out of the drum at opposite ends thereof and into the hollow shaft extensions or conduits 2a and 2b. The fluid flows out of the ends of shaft extensions 2a and 2b into the enlarged sleeves I2b and I2b' and then back through the sleeves I2b and I2b, through the T-connections I20 and I20 and then downwardly through tubes I2d and IN, through T-connections I2e, I2e' and into the two arms I2fl2g on one side and I2f'-I2g on the other. The fabric wiper strips I3 and I3 become saturated with the fluid supplied to the arms I2f-I2g and I2)" and I2g'.

In operation of the machine, the fluid to be applied to the plants is placed in drum 2, and the machine is propelled between two rows of plants to be treated. If the furrow between the two rows is in the middle of the rows, then the two wipers can be adjusted to be equally distant from the wheel I, but if the rows are not symmetrical with respect to the furrow, then the wipers may be adjusted laterally by proper turning of the handles as described above. By proper adjustment of the bracing bars Ba and 8b, the machine may be adjusted so that the wiping strands I3, I3 are in proper position to engage the plants and to wipe the foliage with fluid. Also, by properlateral adjustment of the wiper elements it is possible to keep the wiper elements in line with the rows where the rows are not uniform in distance of separation. As the machine is moved along, the wiper strands I3 engage with the,plants, and since there is considerable friction between the strands and the leaves of the plants, the wiper head consisting of elements I2a and I21 inclusive, is caused to rotate slightly about the shaft extension 2a. Also, the friction of the wiper strands I3 on the leaves of the plant will cause the leaves to be turned over and the fluid will thus be applied to the underside of the leaves where it is most effective in exterminating the boll weevil. The weight of the part IM to I22 inclusive will tend to bend the plants over and will thereby aid in turning the leaves over for application of the insecticide to the underside thereof. The pivoted mounting of the wiper supporting head permits the head to swing back when engaged by the taller plants in a row and thus avoid breaking of the taller plants. I have found that by providing a sufficiently small clearance between the sleeve I2a and the shaft extension 2a, no substantial leakage of the fluid occurs at this point, but it will be understood that suitable packing may be provided in this sliding connection if desired.

Stop cocks 9a and 9b are .provided to cut off the fluid from the shaft extensions 2a and 2b while the drum 2b is being filled and while the machine is being transported to or away from the field.

The construction embodied in the reservoir or container as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 provides for the continuous stirring or agitation of the liquid within the container, and at the same time provides for raising the liquid from the lowermost part of the container and discharging the same through the discharge outlets located at the axis of rotation of the container. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the perforated baiiie plate 2f is not essential and may be omitted if desired (see Figure 6). It is also obvious that the angular position of the bafile plate 2h with respect to the plate 2e may be varied through wide limits without departing from the principle of my invention. It is not essential that the shaft 20 extend through the drum 2 as shown, but the shaft extensions 2a and 2b may be terminated at the opposite ends of the drum, in which case the trough-like construction would be formed of a single trough-like plate (as shown in Figure 6) arranged within the drum so-that the axis of rotation of the drum is located within the trough near the bottom thereof, and the trailing wall 2e of the trough corresponding to plate 2e would be imperforate and would extend to the outer wall of the drum, while the leading wall 2h corresponding to the plate 271. would be terminated short of the outer wall of the drum or would be perforated to permit the liquid to flow around or through the same. Other modifications of my invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and my protection is not to be limited except in accordance with the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a liquid applying machine, the combination of a portable frame, a container for liquid, means for mounting said container on said frame for rotation about a horizontal axis, a liquid applying device carried by said frame, a conduit for connecting said device to said container at the axis of rotation thereof, and means embodied in said container and operated by the rotation of said container for raising liquid from below the axis of rotation of said container and discharging the same into said conduit.

2. In a liquid applying machine, the combination of a closed container for said liquid, means for mounting said container for rotation about a horizontal axis, an outlet conduit connected to said container at the axis of rotation thereof, means embodied in said container and being operated by rotation of said container for raising liquid from below the axis of rotation thereof and discharging the same into said conduit, and a liquid applying device connected to receive liquid from said conduit.

3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein the means for raising liquid within said container comprises a trough-like construction arranged within said container along the axis thereof and positioned so that the axis of rotation of said container is located within said trough near the bottom thereof, and the trailing wall of said trough is imperforate and extends to the outer wall of said container while the leading wall of said trough is formed to permit the flow of liquid around the same.

4. In a liquid applying machine, the combination of a portable frame, a container for said liquid comprising a drum having a hollow shaft running through the center thereof and extending beyond both ends of said drum, said hollow shaft and drum being mounted transversely of said frame for rotation about the axis of said shaft, means for rotating said hollow shaft and drum, a pair of liquid applying devices arranged on opposite sides of said frame and being connected in liquid supply relation to the ends of said hollow shaft, said hollow shaft being provided with perforations along the portion thereof lying within said drum, and a bafiie plate located within said drum and extending from said hollow shaft to the periphery of said drum for raising liquid from the bottom portion of the drum and causing the same to flow in the perforations formed in said hollow shaft.

5. In a liquid applying machine, the combination of a portable frame, a container for said liquid comprising a drum having a hollow shaft running through the center thereof and extending beyond both ends of said drum, said hollow shaft and drum being mounted transversely of said frame for rotation about the axis of said shaft, means for rotating said hollow shaft and drum, a sleeve supported on each end of said hollow shaft in telescoping relation therewith whereby said sleeves may be adjusted laterally with respect to said frame, and said shaft may rotate without rotating said sleeves, a liquid applying device supported on each telescoping sleeve and being supplied with liquid through said sleeves, said hollow shaft being provided with perforations along the portion thereof lying within said drum, and a baffle plate located within said drum and extending from said hollow shaft to the periphery of said drum for raising liquid from the bottom portion of the drum and causing the same to flow in the perforations formed in said hollow shaft, and through the ends of said shaft to said liquid applying devices.

6. In a liquid applying machine, the combination of a portable frame, a container for said liquid comprising a drum having hollow shaft sections extending beyond both ends thereof and communicating with the interior thereof, means for mounting said drum on said frame for rotation about the axis of said shaft sections in a horizontal position, a sleeve supported on each section of said hollow shaft in telescoping relation therewith whereby said sleeves may be adjusted laterally with respect to said frame, and said shaft sections may rotate without rotating said sleeves, a liquid applying device supported on each telescoping sleeve and being supplied with liquid through said sleeves, and means located within said drum and being operated by the rotation of said drum for raising liquid from below the axis of rotation of said drum and discharging the same into the inner ends of said hollow shaft sections.

'7. A machine according to claim 6 wherein said liquid applying devices each comprise a vertical conduit depending from each telescoping sleeve and having a horizontal conduit section supported at the lower end thereof, and a plurality of fabric strands are mounted in holes formed in said horizontal conduit section and extend downwardly therefrom.

8. A machine according to claim 6 and including a pair of handles for said machine mounted for rotation about their longitudinal axes, and means controlled by rotation of said handles for adjusting the lateral position of said telescoping sleeves on the ends of said hollow shaft.

9. An insecticide distributor comprising a drum, a rotatable shaft having a hollow passageway secured to and extending outwardly of said drum and supporting the drum for rotation, means carried by said shaft and rotatable therewith interiorly of the drum for feeding contents of the drum into said passageway, and insecticide applicator means carried by said shaft exteriorly of the drum.

10. A device of the character described comprising a drum for holding insecticide, a support, a shaft secured to and extending axially of said drum, means for rotatably mounting said drum and said shaft upon said support, a passageway in said shaft forming a conduit for distributing contents of the drum, a depending conduit connected to said shaft by a connection providing for rotation of said shaft while maintaining said depending conduit in depending relation with respect to said shaft, and an insecticide applicator connected to the lower end of said depending conduit.

EDWARD H. SEGARS. 

